Joby GP2-E1EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod for Digital SLR Cameras

by Joby

Product Details

• Product Dimensions: 9.8 x 2 x 2 inches ; 3.5 ounces
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• ASIN: B000HAVVFG
• Item model number: GP2-01P
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (140 customer reviews)
• Date first available at Amazon.com: July 31, 2006

Product Description

Style: Tripod

Amazon.com Product Description

The Joby GP2-01P Gorillapod makes taking digital photos more fun than ever. Designed with self-timer photography in mind, the Gorillapod lets you mount your camera just about anywhere you want so that you can include everyone in your automatic shots. All you need to do is use the universal 1/4-20 screw to attach your camera to the standard tripod mount, then wrap the three flexible segmented legs securely to a nearby tree branch, fence, park bench, or anything else that's convenient. Say goodbye to holding your camera at arm's length to take a photo of yourself and your friends--now you can be free to pose however you like!

Durable and innovative, the Gorillapod weighs just 5.8 ounces, or 165 grams, and can support cameras--such as DSLRs--weighing up to 1.75 pounds, or 800 grams. Measuring just 9.8 inches in length, the Gorillapod fits easily into a purse, backpack, or even a roomy jacket pocket.

Product Description

The gorillapod firmly secures your compact digital camera to just about anything...anywhere and everywhere. Unlike traditional tripods, the gorillapod doesn't require an elevated flat surface for you to take the perfect shot.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

86 of 89 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Very light duty, but very versatile. It is what it is., June 17, 2010

By 

Mumblin' Berk "Berk" (Bowelsong, NJ) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Joby GP2-D1EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod for Digital SLR Cameras with Bubble Level (Electronics)

Over-all, I like this product, and it's working well for me, immediately.
However, I take these product evaluations seriously, so there are some things a prospective buyer should know:

It may be a tad "ambitious" to name this the "SLR" version.
Personally, I would not use this on an SLR, unless you have a really light and cheap one.
Do yourself a favor, if you want this kind of tripod, and plan to use it on an SLR, get the next model up. The "SLR ZOOM",
whether you're using a long lens or not.

This one is appropriate for a "point-n-shoot". Very sturdy for that application.

I'm using it mainly with a Samsung TL500 which is a pretty heavy compact cam at close to 400g (just under a pound).
I wouldn't trust it with anything heavier.

It has one obvious problem, so lets get that out of the way.
I was amazed that the quick-mount plate is a loose and sloppy fit.
At the premium price Joby asks for it's product, I expect better.
The whole POINT of a tripod is to hold the camera firm and steady.
A wobbly mount plate is unforgivable. It guarantees that the cam will wiggle.

On the bright side, you just wrap the mount plate with a bit of blue "Painter's tape" to take up the slack, and it's good to go.
But one shouldn't have to do that.

(Painter's tape is the best stuff in the universe, I am never without it.)

Now for the good part:

It's very light, trim, and sturdy if used with light cam, and extremely versatile.
I'm not sure how long it's going to survive, (all plastic) but at least for now, it can really grab quite well onto things,
which gives me a lot more freedom, and lets me work FAST. I like that.

But here's a tip...
To help get steadier shots with long exposures (expecially on wobbly mount plates) if you don't have a remote or cable release, use the "timer" option.
Most cams have 2 second and 10 second self timer options. That's what the 2-second option is for. Just pressing the shutter button is enough to
vibrate the camera. Two seconds gives it time to calm down. Try it. You're images will come out sharp as a tack.

Scoring this was diffiult.

(AMAZON: we need HALF-point options please!)

I must knock off a full point for the loose mount plate. That's only fair.
Secondly, I'm really feeling obligated to bang another 1/2 point off for the price.
I appreciate design innovation, and Joby came to market with a good idea. But honestly, the item is over-priced by more than double, given the quality.

Mind you, I still recommend this product because of it's unique versatility.
Just be aware of it's issues, and it should work well for you.

-Berk

288 of 324 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Sufficient but not revolutionary, August 24, 2006

By 

Lee Shaw (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Joby GP2-E1EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod for Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

I have had my Gorillapod SLR for only a couple of days and have used it just once. I bought it for use with a Canon 300D with my 17-40mm lens. (Total weight on this setup is unofficially 2.6 lbs.--unfortunately appearing to be .1 lbs. over the maximum weight specified by Joby. But, for my purposes, I'm considering that close enough.) Given this weight, my heavier telephoto lens is out of the question. Of course, I knew that prior to my purchase.

Here are my initial thoughts/tips:

- Make sure you do not associate any of the regular Gorillapod's "demo" photos on Joby's website with the SLR version's--or at least pay close attention to the SLR "demo" photos. Specifically, around poles and trees, you will want the legs to wrap fully around the object. Anything less will lack the necessary strength/grip. This point is self-explanatory in the photos but I personally didn't examine them close enough and I did sort of mix "demo" photos in my mind when building my expectations. (Call me an idiot but I was slightly curious if the "Gorillapod-helmet" would work. It--perhaps obviously--will not. I don't think I'd even trust it with my Canon A610 digicam. :) But, I broke out a ski pole and the Gorillapod will definitely be secure on the thin pole. An aspen trunk? Maybe if it's a young tree. A swing set pole? Again, a thin one is likely to work.)

- The Gorillapod seems to have a "sweet spot"--in a traditional tripod stance--where it is just fine and seems perfect. Yet, a slight movement lower causes gravity to win the battle and pull the whole thing down in the middle. A movement in the opposite direction seems to make the Gorillapod unstable--too upright perhaps and ready to topple. If, in the future, Joby could implement some form of "parital leg lock," this issue could be solved.

- My next use of the Gorillapod will be for mountain summit photos and an accompanying hike this weekend. The Gorillapod's "feet" are pretty "sticky"--that is, they're basically like a no-slip Vibram sole. So, I think the Gorillapod will do just fine on 14ers/13ers and on lake rocks, boulder fields, etc.--especially in the traditional 3-leg tripod setup. Gorillapod competitors seem likely to struggle on uneven rocks so I'm feeling good about the Gorillapod in this use.

- I bought the Gorillapod because I thought it was the best option I have seen on the market for throwing in a Camelbak--be it for skiing, hiking, or biking. (My other tripod is a 7.2 lb. Gitzo. I've lugged it around on a hut trip and backpacking trip--sans a few leg sections to shave weight. The Gorillapod will suffice from now on, I believe.) When I took the Gorillapod out today for some shooting, I just put it on the camera and carried the camera with it on--the camera being on my shoulder. I walked to a park and didn't really even notice it. The Gorillapod really does weigh almost nothing.

- The Gorillapod makes a nice "monopod" when used with three legs straight down.

- My 22 month old son loves it. So, at worse, it's a great infant toy for improving motor skills.

- Don't worry about the Gorillapod's camera attachment. It's solid.

- I have a buddy with an Ultrapod. I bought the Gorillapod thinking I had way superior technology despite an over doubling of price. Turns out I probably have merely equivalent but cuter functionality. Also, that buddy has a Canon 10D. The Gorillapod only makes sense for Rebel users in Canon's digital SLR lineup--preferably users with the 18-55 kit lens.

In summary, I would call myself satisfied but not overjoyed. I think it is at least equivalent to the alternatives if not slightly better. But, it is not quite revolutionary. And, keep in mind, these are my first impressions following a single use of it. It didn't knock my socks off but I think I can make it work.

I give it a 4-star rating because I will also use it with my A610 digicam. It should be excellent with that camera when compared to the digicam Gorillapod. 3-stars is likely fitting for use with my SLR (given the sweet spot issue, 2.5 lb. limitation, and slightly elevated cost). But, 3-stars seems low. So, consider my rating a 3.5 and I'm rounding up.

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A fun accessory; tough too, October 21, 2006

By 

James T. King (Chagrin Falls, OH USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Joby GP2-E1EN Gorillapod Flexible Tripod for Digital SLR Cameras (Electronics)

This thoughtful piece of interlocking spheres, reminiscent of a toy my kids used to have - I played also - , makes a great companion for the Canon G3 I have, given both its weight and remote control functions. I first saw the smaller model but wanted a wide enough base to shoot vertically at stars for ex. This hit that sweet spot for me. Also, the unit's rigidity allows it to become a "handle" wielding the camera-head, hatchet-like.

I am expecting it to outlast the earth it's on, given its polymer base.

I would like to have taken this next step from the toys of twenty years ago! This is design engineering at its best.

2115|R2WTEF7EX8OPND;2115|R1I54NJJV09RSJ;2115|R1XBHJ458U1JXZ;